Association of Protease Enzymes with Cancer

Introduction: Mortality due to cancer has increased, and much research has been done on this issue. Proteases are enzymes that break down peptide bonds in proteins, constitute about 3% of the vertebrate genome, and constitute a large group of enzymes that can be identified in all areas of life. These enzymes are classified into six groups: serine protease, cysteine protease, aspartic protease, threonine protease, metalloprotease, and glutamate protease.Description: The role of proteases is not limited to the breakdown of proteins and has various functions, including modulating enzyme activity, regulating membrane function, altering receptor channel properties. In this review, based on studies and research, we first introduce the types of protease enzymes, their general structure, types, and especially their inhibitors. We briefly discuss proteases' role in various diseases such as neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary diseases. Furthermore, we individually examine the association of each of them, especially serine protease, cysteine protease, and metalloproteases with cancer. These three enzymes have been studied more than other proteases.Discussion and conclusion: Form various studies and research, it will be concluded that the progression of many cancers is associated with increased tumor growth, and invasion and proteases are directly related to this. It has been shown that some proteases' inhibitors can reduce the invasive and metastatic capabilities of tumor cells. Since some protease activity has been shown to allow cancer cells to metastasize to surrounding tissues, they can be used as therapeutic targets.